You can pick up your permit only from the Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine and you must do so (or call to confirm) within one or two days prior to entrance of the Whitney Trail. You will forfeit your permit if you do not pick it up in time

Day use permits must be picked up by noon the day before

Overnight permits must be picked up by 10 AM on the same day

Where to Pick Up Your Mt. Whitney Permit

What happens if I don’t use a permit while hiking in the Mt. Whitney Zone?

You will be fined and asked to leave (no joke). The rangers patrol regularly to ensure hiker safety and enforce permit regulations. According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 36, Sec. 261.17, the failure to pay recreation fees is punishable by a fine (for a first offense) of not more than $100, as well as being directed to leave the mountain immediately.